Well-boring machine



APPLICATION FILED AUG. I2, i920.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

25 INVENTOR.

A TTORNE Y.

G. F. ORMSBEE.

WELL BORING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED AUG. I2. I92o.

1,366,826. Patented Jan. 25, 1921.

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G. F. ORMSBEE.

y WELL BORING MACHINE.' APPLICATION FILED AuG.I'2. I920.

1,366,826. Patented Jan. 25, 1921.

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srTEs orties.

GEORG-E F. QRMSBEE, OF SMITH CENTER, KANSAS, ASSIGNQB, OF ONE-HALF T0 EDSOEr F. YALE, OF LINCOLN, NEBRASKA.

WELL-BORNG MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Jan. 25, 1921.

Application nled august 12, 1920. Serial'No.' 403,064.

To all whom 'it may concern:

Be itlmown that l, GEORGE F. ORMsBnn, a citizen of the United States of America, and a resident of Smith Center, Smith county, State of Kansas, have invented certain new and .useful Improvements in and Relating to Tell-Boring Machines, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to certain improvements in and relating to well boring machines; and the objects and nature of the invention will be readily understood by those skilled in the art in the light of the following explanation of the accompanyingvdrawings illustrating what I now believe to be the preferred embodiment or mechanical expression of my invention from among other forms, constructions and arrangements within the spirit and scope thereof.

An object of the invention is to provide a portable well boring machine having a power unit mounted on the machine and transportable therewith in operative connection with theboring mechanism; the arrangement of power unit and boring mechanism being such, that a single operator can readily control the machine during boring operations.

A further object of the invention is to provide a well boring Vmachine in which the boring implement operating mechanism carries the boring implement raising and lowering mechanism and is suspended from a single point at the top of a stationary frame and rotatable around such point of suspension as an axis. y

A further object of the invention is to provide a well boring machine in which'the boring implement during boring operations is supported independently of its operating mechanism and is rotated by contact therewith; the arrangement being such that, the implement can be readily raised andlowered independently of its 'operating mecha- A Fig. s, is a horizontal section taken on the I line 4.--4 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a detail view of the hoisting mechanism and the driving connections therefor.`

Fig. 6, is a detail view of the extension member ,mounted on the boring implement.

The present invention provides a wheeled supporting structure upon which is mounted a stationary tower having a rotary frame suspended from its upper end and depending through a central opening in thesupporting structure.

A power unit is mounted on and carried by the supporting structure and is adapted to rotate the suspended frame. An auger, in operative position supported independently of the rotary frame, extends upwardly through the central opening in the supporting structure and within the rotary frame.

The auger is provided with an arm which extends radially therefrom into the path of rotation of the` suspended frame, so that. when thefframe is rotated it bears against and contacts with the radial arm on the auger, and rotates the auger. Mechanism is mounted on the suspended rotary frame to raise and lower the auger, or other boring tools, and when raised or lowered the auger, or other tools, are supported by the rotary frame.

in the particular example of my invention, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, I show a supporting 'structure 2 with wheels 3. A bed 1 is mounted on and spaced a distance above the supporting structure 2. Any form of supporting structure, or arrangement of the bed 1 may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

A stationary tower 4 is mounted on and fixed to the bed l by suitable fastening 4 comprises u'prights 6 extending upwardly and inwardly to a point approximately directly above the center of base 1 and are connected and maintained. in rigid, spaced relation at their upper ends by cross pieces 7, 0I' the like. between the uprights 6 to maintain the frame in upright, rigid position on the base against all strains and stresses to which the frame may be subjected.

A cross bar 9 is rigidly fastened across the top of tower 4 to opposite cross pieces 7. The cross -bar 9 is provided with a vertical central bore adapted to receive the bolt or axle 10, the arrangement and object of which appears hereinafter. Thefcentral portion of base 1, between the uprights 6 of the tower 4, is cut out to form an enlarged central unobstructed opening 13 the center of which is directlyl below and in vertical alinement with the vertical bore .in the cross bar 9.

A vertical frame 14 is suspended at its upper end from the cross bar 9 of tower 4. The' frame 14 is formed of uprights 15 inclined inwardly and converging together at their upper ends, at which point they are fastened a distance' apart by a substantially U shaped iron member or strap 17 having, its legs extending downwardly and bolted to the uprights 15. The ystrap 17 /extends across the ends of the uprights 15 and maintains them rigidly secured in proper spaced relation. Suitable vcross bracing 19 lis provided be` tween uprights 1 5 to maintain the uprights against strains andv stresses and provide a rigid rotary frame. The portion of the strap 17 which extends across thev ends of the upights 15 is provided with av centrally located ore.

An axle 10 having the Aenlarged end 18% and revolu-ble bearing 18 extends 'upwardlythrough the bore in strap 17 and the bore .in cross bar 9 a distance beyond the bar 9. The axle 10 is-secured in the bore in cross bar 9 by a washer 12 and nut llbearing upon the upper surface of bar 9. The frame 14 is suspended from axle 10 on the bearing 18 and is rotatable around the axle 10 as an axis.

The uprights 15 depend downwardly Athrough the opening 13 in the bed 1 andterminate a distance above the top of the supporting structure 2. A circular, unobstructed opening 21? is cut through thesupporting structure 2, directly below, and with its center in vertical alinement with the center of the opening 13 and the axle 10 at the top of tower 4. The opening 2a is of suiiicient diameter to permit the passage of boring tools of the required size therethrough, and is rovded with anti friction bearings 25, or t e like, around ing surface. A gear wheel 20 is attached Cross bracing 8 is provided its inner edge or bearf rigidly to and suspended from the ends of the uprights 15 and a distance above the Hoor or base of the supporting structure 2. The gear 20 is provided with spokes 21 and a hub 22. The hub 22 extends downwardly a distance below the wheel and provides a sleeve or rim 24. The hub 22 is centrally open and unobstructed to form a circular passage extending through the gear 20 and rim24. The sleeve or rim 24 extends into the opening 2a of the supporting structure 2 and provides a centering and guiding axle, rotatably confined in theopening 22t and bearing .against the roller bearings 25, to maintain the lower end of frame 14 and gear 20 against lateral movement.

A covering is securely and rigidly bolted, o`r otherwise attached on the' upper side of wheel 20 by means ofbolts, or the like71, fastened to the spokes 21. Cross beams 72 are fastened on the covering 70 and extend upwardly through the opening 13 a distance above the upper surface of the bed l. `A platform 16 is secured to and supported by thecross beams 72 and extends a distance beyond the opening 13 and over the bed 1.v The platform 16 is provided with a central, circular unobstructed opening therethrough,` the center of which is in vertical alinement with the axle 10 and the center of the opening through the hub 22 and depending rim 24 of the gear 20. Platform 16 provides a cover for the opening 13 to protect the gear 2O and supporting structure 2 and further provides a place for the operator to stand during boring operations.

`A guide plate 60 is secured to the platform 16 by the hinges 61 and in lowered position the free edge of the plate extends slightly beyond the center line or diameter of the opening. A notch or cut out portion 62 is provided at the center of the free edge of the guide plate, which notch when the' plate 60 is in lowered position is in alinement with the center of the opening and is adapted to receive and maintain the vertical boring rods Y. attached to the auger in vertical alinement.

windlass or hoisting mechanism is mounted on the rotary frame 14 intermediate the platform 16 and the top gf the frame. This mechanism comprises a Awinding drum 2 7 provided with a gear 28` and a drive shaft 29 provided with a pinion 30 meshing with the gear 28. The drum 27 and shaft 29 are mounted in suitable bearings on opposite uprights 15 of the frame 14, and are so positioned as to be 'on one side of the center of the opening 16a of the platform 16 to provide an unobstructed passage for the auger or boring tools in raising and lowering .themh from and to operative position.

ioo

posite shaft49,

onto the squared The end of shaft 29 opposite pinion 30 ex- A tends a distance beyond the frame 14 terminating in a squared end portion 31.` pulley 32 is mounted between opposite uprights 15 at the top of frame 14 and below the axle 10. A hoisting cable 52 is attached to the winding drum 27 and passes up over pulley 32 with its free end provided with a hook or the like 53 adapted to be attached to a boring tool.

power unit l? is mounted upon one end of the bed or base 1 of the truck 2. Suitablyjournaled inbearings mounted along one side of the frame 4 is the driving shaft 33 provided at one end with a driving pulley 34 and at its opposite end with a bevel gear 35. The pulley 34 is connected with the powerY unit'by a belt or the like 36, and a clutch mechanism'operated by the hand lever 37, is adapted to throw the pulley 34 into and out of operative relation with the power unit P.

A rectangular centrally open plate 38 is mounted upon a frame work o-n the lstationary frame 4 which framework is formed of the vertical beams 39 fastened at their lower ends to the bed 1 and at their upper ends to a horizontally disposed beam 40. The plate 38 is provided with alined, vertical bearings 41 in which is mounted the vertical shaft 42. Intermediate the bearings 41, shaft 42 is provided witha bevel gear43 in mesh with the bevel gear 35 on the drive shaft 33. The vertical shaft 42 extendsa distance downwardly below the base 1 and is provided' at its lower end with the pinion 44 in mesh with the gear 2() of the rotary frame 14. A clutch mechanism 45 is interposed in shaft 42 between the pinion 44 and the bearing plate 38, by means of which the lower part of shaft 42 with the pinion 44 can be disengaged from operative relation with the upper portion of shaft 42. A manually operated leverl 46 is adapted to throw the clutch 45 into and out of engagement with the lower 4part of shaft 42 and pinion 44.

The upper end of shaft 42 is provided with v a bevel gear 47 inmesh with a bevel gear 48 mounted on a short shaft 49 which is journaled in a bearing on the upper edge of the beam 40. rlhe shaft 49 is mounted at an angle so that the driving shaft 29, mounted on the frame 14, will aline therewith when its squared end is opposite the end of the short shaft 49. A square sleeve 50 is mounted to slide on the shaft 49 and when the shaft 29 of the winding mechanism is opthe sleeve 50 can be slid end of shaft 29 and form a driving connection between shaft 49 and shaft 29 on the rotary frame.

"A boring tool or auger 51 in operative po-V sition rests upon the ground and extends upwardly through the opening 2a in the supporting structure 2, the open hub 22 and 'gear 28, and

vided at one end with a hooked portion 55A which is formed to fit the square end of the boring tool.v A screw bolt or thelike 56, passes through a hole 57 in the bill'of the hook and is adjustably'mounted in a screw threaded hole 58v in the extended or body portion of the member 54.

The operation of a boring machine embodying my invention described herein, is as follows:

The guide plate 60 is raised and swung back from the opening 16a to leave the opening unobstructed. The auger 54 is placed in position resting on the ground and extending upwardly through the. gear 20, base 1, and platform 16, and the hoisting cable 52 is attached to the end of the tool by the hook 53. An extension member or arm 54 is placed over the squared end of the auger and the bolt56 is adjusted so that arm 54 is loosely attached to the auger. TWhen the larm 54 is 1n position on the auger it extends and -is of such a length distance beyond the uprights 15 of the rotary frame 14. rThe power unit is started and the clutch lever 37 moved to bring the pulley 34 into operative engagement with the power unit, through the belt 36. The clutch mechanism 45 is voperated by lever 46 to engage the lower portion of shaft 42, and through pinion 44 rotate gear 2O and the rotary frame 14. rfhe sliding sleeve 50 is disengaged from shaft 29, which shaft and the winding drum remain idle and inoperative. The rotation of the gear 2() rotates the platform 16 andthe frame 14, which are suspended from the axle 10 radially therefrom that it extends a at the top of the stationary frame 4 and clutch 45v is disengaged through lever 46 with the shaft 42 carrying the pinion 44 and the rotation of gear 20, frame 14 and the auger stopped. rThe sleeve 50 is then moved into engagement with the shaft 29 which is thereby rotated through the pinion 30 and the hoisting cable 52 raises the The arm o4 is removed from the auger and an extension or boring rod 51a having a square hollow end 51b is fitted over the square end of the auger. Then the arm 54 is placed onto the added boring rod and the auger and rod are lowered into the' bore,

. clutch 45v thrown into engagement with shaft 42 carrying the pinion 44 and the gear 20. and frame 14 are again rotated which will rotate the auger by the frame contacting with the arm 54 on the boring rod which rotates-the rod and the tool to which it -is connected. The arm 54 is loosely mounted on the rod la-but ismaintained in properoperative position by the pressure exerted on it by the rotating frame.

After the boring rod has been added and .the tool and rod are in position the guide plate 60 is swung down to rest across the opening 16EL with the boring rod resting in the notchl 62, and as the rod is rotated it will bear against the plate 60 and be maintained in ahnement by the notch 62. When the boring rods and auger are raised by the winding mechanism the plate will be swung open by the boring tool striking against the plate as the tool is raised and leave the opening 16a tool.

' The foregoing operations are repeated until the desired depth of bore-is obtained.

i The operator can stand upon the platform 16 of the rotating frame, from which point he can operate' the various clutch levers, and in some instances, depending upon the character of thesoil, the weight of the operator upon the rotating frame is desirable to cause a slower rotation of the boring tool, or the operator may stand upon the base of the truck, 'from which point he can operate the clutch levers to operate the tool or raise and lower the same from the bore.

. A boring machine embodying my invention, as described herein, can be transported with all the mechanisms in operative position from one boring location to vanother' and by lowering the auger the machine is ready to begin boring operations.

The rotary boring tool operating frame is suspended from, supported and rotatable on, the axle at the top ofthe stationary tower and is maintained in alinement and against lateral movement by the depending rim confined in the bearing formed in the supporting structure at the lower end of the rotary frame. The boring tool is guided by and maintained in' alinement by the hollow hub and depending rim ofthe large gear wheel and in operative position is supported independently ofthe boring machine. After the boring rods have been attached, the

unobstructed for the passage of the v guide plate 60 is swung into position and maintains the rods in alinement whereby the boring tool will cut a straight vertical bore.

It is evident that various changes, modifications and variations mightbe resorted to Without departing from the spirit and scope to rotate said suspended frame, and a boring tool provided with means engaged by said suspended frame whereby said tool is rotated. e

2. A boring machine comprising a supporting structure, a frame mounted on said supporting structure, a second frame rotatably suspended from said first mentioned frame, a bearing on said supporting structure in which said suspended frame is rotatably confined, means adapted to rotate said suspended frame, and a boring tool operated by said suspended frame.

3. A ortable boring machine, comprising a whee ed supporting structure, a frame mounted on and fixed to said structure, a second frame rotatably suspended, from said first mentioned frame, a power unit mounted on said supporting structure, means operatively connecting said power unit with said .suspended frame, and a boringtool adapted to be operated by said suspended frame when rotated by said power unit.

4. A portable boring machine, comprising a wheeled supporting structure, a vertical frame mounted on said structure, boring tool operating means suspended from said vertical frame, a power unit mountedvon and carried by said supporting structure, and means operatively connecting said power unit with saidvtool operating means.

5. A boring machine comprisinga 'supporting structure, a frame mounted on said structure, and boring tool operating means suspended from and supported by said frame at its upper end and journalednin and confined against lateral movement at its lower end in said supporting structure.

6.. A boring machine comprising a supporting structure, a frame mounted on said structure, a boring tool` operating frame r0- tatalolyv suspended from the upper portion of said frame and at its` lower end confined against lateral movement by said supporting structure, anda boring tool provided with means adapted to be engaged by said rotatable frame whereby said tool 'is operated by said frame when rotated.

-. 7. A boring machine comprising a sup-l Lacasse tool operating frame 4rotatably suspended from the upper part of said fixed frame above said opening, and a boring tool supported in operative position independently of the operating frame, extending upwardly through the opening in the base and surrounded by the suspended frame, the boring tool provided with means adapted to be engaged by said operating frame whereby said tool is rotated by the frame.

8. A boring machine comprising a base having an openingtherethrough, a fixed frame on said base extending above said opening, a boring tool operating frame rotatably suspended from the top of said fixed frame and above said opening, hoisting mechanism mounted on said suspended frame adapted to raise and lower boring tools through the opening frompand to operative position, said suspended frame when rotated adapted to engage a boring tool to operate the same. 4

9. A boring machine comprising a supporting structure having an opening therethrough, a iixed frame mounted on said structure and extending upwardly above the opening, a boring tool4 operatin frame rotatably suspended from said xed frame and extending downwardly through the opening in the supporting structure, an annular gear mounted on the `lower end of said suspending frame, a pinion in mesh with said annular gear, and means carried by said supporting structure to operate said pinion whereby said gear and suspended tool operating frame are rotated.

10. A boring machine comprising a sup'- porting structure having a base provided with an unobstructed opening, a fixed frame mounted on said base and extending upwardly abov'e said opening, a boring tool operating frame rotatably suspended from said fixed frame above said opening, said suspended frame terminating above the opening in said platform having an opening therethrough, an annular gear rigidly suspended from said platform below the base of said supportin structure, said gear havin an unobstructe opening in alinement wit the openings in said base and platform, means mounted on the supporting structure adapted to rotate said gear and suspended frame, and said base and provided with a suspended rotatable frame adapted to en-l gage a boring tool in operative position ex' tending upwardly through said gear, base and platform a distance within said frame.

11. A boring machine comprising a'supporting structure having a base having an opening therethrough, a fixed frame mounted on said base, `a boring tool operating frame suspended from said fixed frame and rotatable thereon, a platform provided with an opening. mounted on said suspended frame above the opening in said base, a boring tool inoperative osition having its shaft extending upward y through said base and platform and means earried by said suspended frame platform adapted to maintain the boring tool shaft in alinement.

12. A boring machine comprising a supporting structure having a base, a frame fixed to said base and extending upwardly therefrom, a boring tool operating frame rotatably journaled at its upper end to the upper portion of said vfixed frame, and a boring tool, in operative position extendin upwardly within said rotatable frame, sai tool provided with a member extending radially therefrom adapted to be engaged by said journaled frame whereb said tool is operated during rotation of t e frame.

13. A boring machine comprising a supporting structure, a frame mounted thereon, and boring tool operating means suspended from and supported by said frame and maintained in alinement by a bearing on the supporting structure.

14. A boring machine comprising a supporting structure, a fixed vertical frame mounted thereon, a boring tool operating frame suspended from and rotatable on said fixed frame, an annular gear mounted on the operating frame, tool raising mechanism carried by said tool operating frame, a pinion mounted on said supporting structure in engagementl with said gear, and means for driving said pinion to rotate said gear and to operate said tool raising mechanism, said means comprising clutch mechanisms, whereby the rotation of saidl gear and frame may be stopped and the driving means engaged with the tool raising mechanism to raise the boring tool. V

GEORGE F. ORMSBEE. 

